A review by lbelow
The Bruising of Qilwa by Naseem Jamnia

emotional hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This is a short read, but packed with so much complexity and nuance! It's the story of a refugee struggling to provide for their family and their people, but it's also the story of the daughter of immigrants who doesn't know her parents' native tongue and feels like she has something to prove, the story of a trans boy who struggles to make friends and who just wants to feel at home in his own body, the story of a man fighting against the dictates of a government paralyzed with the fear of being re-colonized by the refugees begging at their door—a man who will do anything to show that these refugees are people too and they deserve respect and fair medical treatment. A fantastic world, multi-faceted characters, an intriguing plot—this novella has it all! I can't wait to see what Mx. Jamnia writes next! 
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